Summary of "The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds" - Episode 117: The Past Times with Lee Camp
Release Date: March 24, 2025
Hosts & Guest:
- Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds, creators of The Dollop podcast.
- Lee Camp, comedian and host of Unredacted Tonight, joins as a special guest.
Introduction & Guest Welcome
The episode kicks off with Dave Anthony promoting Hulu's stand-up comedy specials before transitioning to the main content. Gareth Reynolds warmly welcomes Lee Camp to the show, highlighting Lee's independent venture, Unredacted Tonight. The hosts engage in light-hearted banter about Lee's new show, addressing his challenges with YouTube's platform policies.
Notable Quote:
- Gareth Reynolds [00:58]: "I've never seen it before. And neither is our guest this week, the great Lee Camp."
Guessing the Newspaper Year
As per the show's format, the hosts attempt to guess the year of the featured newspaper. Lee initially offers a humorous and imprecise guess but eventually pins it down to April 23, 1891, from the Sioux City Journal in Sioux City, Iowa.
Notable Quotes:
- Dave Anthony [04:38]: "Thursday, April 23, 1891."
- Gareth Reynolds [04:35]: "So this is a very Native American. It's going to favor the Native Americans."
Main Story: Mayor Campbell's Incident
The central narrative revolves around an incident where Mayor Campbell allegedly became sick and sleepy after drinking cider. The newspaper article suggests he was either drugged or excessively intoxicated. The hosts dissect the event, blending historical facts with comedic speculation.
- Temperance Movement Context: Dave and Gareth discuss the era's temperance movement, which was gaining momentum leading up to the Prohibition era in the 1920s. They humorously speculate on how similar incidents would be perceived today.
Notable Quotes:
- Dave Anthony [06:16]: "The local papers are filled with sensational articles today insinuating that Mayor Campbell was either drugged or drunk..."
- Gareth Reynolds [13:47]: "This was a big temperance time. Oh, was it in places like Iowa? For sure."
Comedic Analysis & Banter
Throughout the discussion, the hosts and Lee Camp interject with witty remarks and jokes, often veering off into humorous tangents about alcohol, historical figures, and contemporary parallels.
- Alcohol Consumption: The conversation humorously debates Mayor Campbell's drinking habits, the difference between cider and whiskey, and societal perceptions of alcohol intake during that period.
Notable Quotes:
- Lee Camp [05:06]: "Turtle Island Times says."
- Dave Anthony [17:06]: "I told him I knew he had been drugged... You drive around all night so his wife doesn't see."
Other Historical News Highlights
Beyond the main story, the episode touches on various other historical events reported in the newspaper, including:
-
Great Britain in Africa: Discussions about struggles over nitrate mines in Africa, highlighting colonial tensions and economic dependencies.
Notable Quote:
- Dave Anthony [21:34]: "Captain Pratt of the Bark On Away... the chief source of revenue for the government, the nitrate mines."
-
Portuguese Political Turmoil: A brief look into anxiety over a potential revolution in Portugal, reflecting the political instability of the time.
Notable Quote:
- Dave Anthony [23:02]: "He expressed fears that a revolution is about to break out, in which event the lives of foreigners will be endangered."
-
Mafia Investigation in New Orleans: Analyzing a grand jury's inquiry into the lynching of an Italian prisoner, the hosts humorously critique the justice system's handling of mob-related crimes.
Notable Quote:
- Dave Anthony [37:04]: "Swindler's working for East."
Interactive Segment: Animated News Reporting
Towards the latter part of the episode, Gareth Reynolds introduces an animated segment produced in collaboration with Lakeside Animation. This segment humorously visualizes the newspaper stories discussed, adding a layer of satire to the historical analysis.
Notable Quote:
- Gareth Reynolds [62:11]: "We're starting to animate some of our episodes... It's a really awesome animation of the Rube."
Closing Remarks & Promotions
The episode concludes with promotional plugs for Lee Camp's Unredacted Tonight and the newly animated segments. The hosts express their appreciation for Lee's participation and encourage listeners to engage with their animated content.
Notable Quote:
- Gareth Reynolds [62:39]: "Thank you, Lee. Always a pleasure. Thanks, buddy."
Engaging Insights & Humor
Throughout the episode, Dave, Gareth, and Lee Camp excel in blending historical facts with sharp humor, offering listeners both entertainment and a quirky perspective on past events. Their playful interactions and witty commentary make the history examination both informative and highly engaging.
Memorable Moments:
- The humorous debate over the meaning of "loaded" cider versus whiskey.
- Imagining historical events through a modern comedic lens, such as the portrayal of Mayor Campbell's condition.
- The playful mockery of old newspaper reporting styles and their sensationalism.
Conclusion: Episode 117 of The Dollop with guests Dave Anthony, Gareth Reynolds, and Lee Camp delivers a rich, entertaining exploration of historical events from April 23, 1891, blending factual analysis with incisive comedy. The episode stands out for its seamless integration of guest interactions, humorous banter, and insightful commentary, making it a must-listen for history enthusiasts and comedy fans alike.